Only in Her Dreams (16 page)

She also started to eat, alternating between bites of burger and stuffing French fries in her mouth. He forgot how long she’d been without food. Maybe she’d be in a better mood once her belly was full.

In the future, he’d aspire to be a better host.

# # #

Greg returned to the house and his makeshift bed on the couch. When she’d insisted he stay, he expected to sleep in her room, which hadn’t completely repulsed him. At the very least he anticipated sleeping in the guest room but he’d been relegated to the couch. She’d informed him Maxim occupied the guest room at present. Until this point, he hadn’t understood the relationship the pair shared. Now, he was certain it wasn’t a sexual one, otherwise Maxim and Lucessa would be shacked up together.

Greg had been left with an opening. She was not under Maxim’s sexual thrall, which meant he could manipulate the situation and maybe make it out alive.

He knew the power of sex. He’d cast his web over Sandy and she’d been powerless to resist.

Wandering around the living room, the house looked much the same as when he left. Pictures of him and Lucessa adorned the fireplace mantel and the table that ran the length of the couch. She obviously still harbored feelings for him. But was it enough that she’d go along with his plan?

The creaking of a bed on the next floor drew his attention. Maxim said he had to leave, but he hadn’t left the house. After they’d finished their dinner, Lucessa quickly retired to her room, citing her need for sleep.

What was he doing upstairs?
Stepping away from the mantel, he noticed a picture missing, the dust imprint the only evidence it was gone. Had it been a picture of them? Had it become too painful for her to look at?

Whatever the reason, it couldn’t be related to her loss of feelings for him. He’d seen it in her eyes tonight. She’d sat next to him, stroking his arm, his battered cheek and his knee.

Greg moved back toward his bed on the couch, slipping between the sheets. Lucessa had offered him pain medicine, a shower and a clean set of his own pajamas. He’d gladly accepted all three. The warm shower relieved a bit of the headache and soothed the pains that coursed through him. He settled in to think about how he was going to pull this scam off. He knew he couldn’t push her too quickly, but he had to work quickly. He only had until the end of the third day to deliver her.

Maybe it would’ve been better if I’d died.

# # #

She walked through the gate to her new home, Greg on her arm. He was pleased to show her the home he’d picked for them. She wasn’t mad that he made the decision without her. The yard was beautiful, overflowing with flowers, bushes, and trees. Her mother would love it here. Now that Greg was graduating from medical school and leaving soon to finish his internship, she’d finally be able to bring her home. She’d looked forward to this day for years.

Greg sensed her happiness and hugged her tighter to his side as they moved toward the back door. He gently covered her eyes with his hands and led her into their new home. The feel of his warm hands comforted her.

“Ta da!” Greg said with a flourish, removing his hands so she could see her new kitchen. So much larger, in comparison, to the kitchen in their current apartment. The counters were dark granite and the appliances were new. Just as she’d wanted. Continuing further into the house, they entered the empty living room, a fireplace dominated one whole wall, the mantel perfect for their family pictures.

Shock infused her body when she walked further into the room. Maxim leaned against the far wall, staring at Greg, hatred in his eyes.

A gasp escaped her throat. The smile faded from Greg’s lips as Maxim pushed off from the wall and strolled in their direction. The look of hatred was replaced by cold, calculating determination. As he approached the couple, he only had eyes for Lucessa. His arms extended toward her.

She disengaged her arm from around Greg and moved toward Maxim. Something drew her toward him. His arms enfolded her and their lips met.

# # #

The feel of moist warmth on his face woke Maxim to find Goosey hovering over him, her paws planted on either side of his face. Her tongue lapped at his mouth, nose, and eyes.

When had he moved from the floor to the bed?

“Off girl!” He raised his hands to push the dog away but Goosey had different ideas. She hopped away from his hands and rushed to the end of the bed, taking the blanket with her and exposing the evidence of his dream. He was unsure why he kept visiting her when she slept just across the hallway. In her dreams she was truly herself. Unafraid of what she wanted. Her fears and joys lay before him, no denial or games.

Her dreams didn’t disappoint. She’d been thinking about Greg. His presence was obvious, but she’d stepped into Maxim’s arms and raised her face for his kiss. There had been no hesitation in her decision.

She longs for me as much as I long for her.

Goosey jumped off the bed and tore playfully around the room. Sitting up, Maxim grabbed his pants from the floor and put them on, effectively covering his lust filled thoughts of Lucessa.

“Need to go outside?”

The dog jumped and barked. Maxim slipped on yesterday’s shirt and opened his bedroom door. The smell of bacon and eggs enticed his nose. He hadn’t heard Lucessa leave her room yet. That only left one person doing the cooking.

He moved cautiously down the stairs, reluctant to deal with Lucessa’s husband.
I’m not a violent person, but I’d love to punch in his other cheek.

Goosey had other ideas, she sped past him and bounded into the kitchen, presumably looking for food.

“What the hell!” Breaking glass sounded. “You ruined everything, you stupid mutt.”

Maxim entered the kitchen as Greg raised his leg to kick Goosey. “I wouldn’t follow through with that if I were you.” His voice thundered through the room. An image of Guy flashed in his mind. Maxim’s temper flared hotter than the sun, as his eldest brother’s would. No one abused his dog.

My dog?
Since when did he consider Goosey his dog? He couldn’t deny the attachment though. Lucessa and Goosey were his responsibility, but it went much deeper than that. He loved them both.

Greg’s foot slowly lowered to the floor, a look of fright passing over his face. Maxim walked around the broken plate and spilled food, as he pulled Goosey from the shards of glass and toward the back door. Cold morning air hit his face, soothing his temper as he pushed Goosey out.

“The stupid dog knocked Lucessa’s breakfast all over the floor,” Greg said, his shoulders straightened as if he gained a little confidence to tell Maxim what he really thought of the dog.

“Nevertheless, you will not abuse Lucessa’s dog while you are a guest in her home,” Maxim stated, his own dominance showing.

“Guest in her home? This is my house, too. And that’s my damn dog. I bought the thing for her after we moved in.”

“Yes, a guest. That’d be why you slept on the couch last night,” Maxim said. He wasn’t sure why he was getting so mad and antagonizing Greg. He just couldn’t stand the sight of him. He’d disappeared and now returned only to do the bidding of his brother, Darius. “Anyway, don’t hurt the dog or you’ll be answering to me. You’d better get that mess cleaned up before Lucessa comes down and sees it.”

The words had no more left his mouth when he heard her light footsteps coming down the stairs. Both men turned in her direction. She entered the kitchen, dressed in a stunning black dress, her hair pinned up, and her eyes sparkling. The sparkle left as soon as she saw the mess on the floor.

“What’s going on?”

“Ask him,” Maxim said, pointing his thumb in Greg’s direction.

“I wanted to make you breakfast.”

“I can see that, but did you have to use every pan in the kitchen? And why is that on the floor?” she asked, her eyes wide in shock.

Maxim mumbled one word, “Goosey.”

The shock melted from her face and was replaced with a huge smile, her bright white teeth showing between light pink lips.

“Where is she? She must’ve scared herself. She didn’t even hang around to eat the food?” A giggle escaped her lips and Maxim found himself staring. Her eyes moved to him and a knowing wink was shot in his direction.

“I put her outside before Greg here could kick her.”

“Kick her? Greg wouldn’t do that,” she said, turning in her husband’s direction. “Would you?”

“Of course not. I was just upset that my hard work went to waste and you’d leave for work hungry.”

“Well, I’m off to work...hungry. You boys clean up this mess.” Lucessa gave Greg an intense stare and walked toward the front door leaving both men staring after her.

“You heard the woman, clean this mess up,” Maxim said and headed up stairs.

# # #

Goddamn waste of my time!
Greg stood over the mess on the floor and watched Maxim disappear up the stairs.

The resemblance between Maxim and Darius was unnerving. They shared the same cold, steel-blue eyes and the shaggy brown hair as well as a devil-may-care facial expression that he’d like to wipe off their faces.

If Darius already had someone in the house, why was he needed? Lucessa seemed to think highly of Maxim and acted very comfortable around him. The man even had a key.

He had the urge to follow him and inflict a bit of retribution for the beating he’d taken at the hands of Darius.

Grabbing a towel off the counter he surveyed the disaster on the floor. Food mixed with glass, mixed with bacon grease. What a mess.

He’d ask Alexander about Maxim when he came to check on his progress. Until then, he’d keep his eye on him. For now, he’d have to settle with cleaning up his mess. That would make Lucessa happy and he’d stay on her good side.

Forget staying on her good side. Throwing the towel back on the counter he headed for the stairs. He had nothing to lose.

He propelled himself up the stairs two at a time and onto the landing outside the guest room. He halted in front of the door, his momentum fleeing. Should he knock or just barge in?

Grasping the knob, he knew taking the man by surprise would be his best option. Especially if he had a right hook like Darius.

“Who are you to tell me--” Greg started, but the room before him was empty.

Chapter 21

Darius strolled into the castle, a new spring in his step and he suspected a sparkle in his eyes. The cause could be the anticipation of completing his goal and getting the overbearing Dark One off his back or his growing feelings--
Feelings? What the fuck!
--for Sandy.

Their meal had gone better than he’d expected. She’d been polite yet feisty, exactly what he looked for in a potential fuck buddy. The experience had been refreshing after the wounds of the past.

He stopped at the closed door of a room he’d never entered. He better get used to the layout of this domain. It would one day be his.

He raised his hand to announce his presence. His knock echoed through the endless corridors of the massive estate.

“Come in,” the raspy voice called from within.

The door swung open on well-oiled hinges, revealing a colossal bathing suite. Funny, he didn’t picture the ‘Prince of Darkness’ as a regular bather.

“My Lord.” Darius bowed.
Fucking degrading! This pretense will end soon.

Darius lifted his eyes and searched the room. The Dark One reclined in a claw-foot tub. It must be over nine feet long to accommodate his large frame. Water lapped at the edge, threatening to overflow onto the black tinted tiles. The rest of the room held showers, a huge communal soaking bath and lounging beds. The room puzzled Darius, so pristine in a land so covered in filth and pollution.

“I see you’ve infiltrated her home. Good job.”

“Thank you. I anticipate the fulfillment of our agreement very soon,” Darius said.
Then your ass is out of my life.

“It doesn’t pay to be overly confident. By the way, how’d you convince him to do my bidding?” he asked.

The fucker is reading my thoughts now!

“A little violent persuasion, mixed with some hostage taking.”

“Darius, you will fit right in here. I love a man who isn’t afraid to use the means necessary to achieve what he wants.”

Fit in?
A part of him wanted to rebel and disprove this statement. He wanted to proclaim his goodness. But he hadn’t been ‘good’ for many years. He’d lost any redeeming quality he possessed the night he caused his father’s death. And over a silly, stupid woman, nonetheless.

 “I look forward to following in your stead, my Lord,” he replied. Not because he wanted to be like the Dark Lord, but his response was expected.

“Now, tell me about that adorable little lady friend you’ve cozied up with.” He stood from the bath, unashamed of his nakedness. Grimy light filtered in through the clouded window and reflected off the hard angles of his massive body. His equipment hung limp but long.

“She is my bargaining piece, no more.”

“Is she truly just that?” he commented, wrapping a towel around his body. He turned back toward Darius, his manhood finally covered. “Then you wouldn’t mind me getting to know her a bit better when she’s out worn her usefulness to your cause?”

Fuck!

“Whatever you desire is yours.” He had no choice. The Dark One took what he wanted, rarely asking permission.

“Good answer. I’d hate a woman to come between us. It would be quite ironic though, wouldn’t it? Darius, son of the great Morpheus, losing yet another kingdom...over a woman.” His laugh echoed off the walls.

Ironic as hell.

Chapter 22

Hera stood, gardening sheers in hand, as she surveyed the vast sea of roses in front of her. It was her wish to share the lovely blossoms with all the worlds, Olympus and Earth, alike. Alas, that was not to be. She delicately cupped a single pale pink blossom, sheers poised to relieve the stem of the flowers weight when a commotion erupted behind her.